Area athletes' dedication pays off

May 30, 2007

They're all winners. It was a big weekend for area athletes. The Aberdeen Smittys won the State A high school baseball tournament for the third time in four years and the Faulkton Trojans were the champions of the State B girls' track meet. Both teams won their championships by the skin of their teeth, showing gritty determination and skill. The Smittys played twice as long to win their championship in a 4-3 victory over Rapid City in a 14-inning game. The Trojans gutted it out to win by just five points. These victories come on the heels of finishing out the academic year with final reports, exams and - in some cases -graduation. This doesn't even take into account the hours and hours of hard work these students put in during practices, games and meets throughout their respective seasons. They balance sports with multiple classes, assignments, tests, presentations and pop quizzes - and they likely tried to squeeze in a social life somewhere in there too. Finally, these student-athletes - and all the others, whether they play basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, soccer, hockey or whether they wrestle or participate in other activities - give amazing satisfaction to the fans who come to cheer them on. Great job. Spring has sprung, time to pay more attention School is out, spring is here and with those two events come a myriad of distractions. Distractions can spell danger for both drivers and pedestrians. Adults will likely be the drivers in this scenario. People need to be sure to put down their cell phones, sodas and snacks and not let their minds wander too much to thoughts of gardening, golf, tennis, ball games and - of course - work and family commitments. Young people will likely be the pedestrians. They might also be on skates, bikes or scooters. They will likely not be paying as much attention as they should to their surroundings. Their young minds will likely be on friends, summer activities and sports. So, it is time for a gentle reminder for drivers - and pedestrians - to protect themselves by being safe and alert. People rush. They hurry to and from wherever they have been in an effort to get to the next place they need to be on time. It is more important than ever for people, whether they be adults or children, to be mindful of their circumstances as they become more and more active outdoors. Early morning, late afternoon and evening can sometimes bring a traffic jam of sorts on sidewalks, bike/walking paths and even the street. Walkers, joggers, runners and bikers compete for space. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than half of all bicycle deaths among children under the age of 14 occur from May to September. That is a frightening statistic. Children need constant reminders to watch streets before they walk, run or ride out into them. Parents also need to remember that city ordinance requires children to be at least 8 to ride a bike on Aberdeen streets. Awareness and consideration are really the two key issues. Welcome spring and summer, but keep in mind that more sunshiny days bring more and more activity. Just be sure to remember to keep your safety - and the safety of those around you - in mind.